NEWTON COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM STATEMENT OF POLICY

Indiana 4-H Program Philosophy and Expectations:

The Indiana 4-H Youth Development program serves the youth of Indiana by providing a strong educational youth development program. This program delivers educational experiences in a variety of settings. Caring, capable and contributing adults assist in the 4-H program as role models for youth. The rich heritage of the 4-H Program is one to be valued and passed along to future generations.

The Indiana 4-H Youth Policies and Procedures includes certain standards and guidelines to assure that 4-H is a positive youth development program. Legal authority for the 4-H Program rests with the Director of the Cooperative Extension Service at Purdue University. No county 4-H policy may conflict with state 4-H policy or with federal guidelines and requirements. County 4-H policy is guided by the county 4-H policy making or governing board (i.e., 4-H Council) as provided by the Indiana 4-H Youth Development program. 

It is the policy of 4-H to be an inclusive organization. No county policy or practice should be used to arbitrarily exclude youth from either membership or participation. Youth should participate in 4-H Youth Development opportunities at levels and times that best suit the youth's development.

Volunteers and Extension Educators may not require youth to attend 4-H club meetings in order to complete 4-H or exhibit their work unless a safety meeting required at the state level is required for the project.

 

4-H Mission: The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who positively impact their community and world.

4-H Vision: Indiana 4-H Youth Development strives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

 

Positive Youth Development:

What is Positive Youth Development?

 

Positive youth development occurs from an intentional process that promotes positive outcomes for young

people by providing opportunities, relationships, and the support to fully participate. Youth development

takes place in families, peer groups, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

 

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies

that support youth, created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD):

 

“PYD is an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools,

organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes,

and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing

opportunities, fostering positive youth relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their

leadership strengths.”

 

4-H Pledge:

The pledge tells what 4-H is about. The 4-H goal is the four-fold development of youth: Head, Heart,

Hands and Health. The pledge was adopted by the delegates of the 1927 National 4-H Club Camp in

Washington, D.C. State club leaders voted for and adopted the pledge for universal use. The phrase “and my world” was added in 1973. The saying of the pledge has a prominent place in 4-H activities, at regular 4-H meetings, achievement days and other club events.

I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking,

my Heart to greater loyalty,

my Hands to larger service,

and my Health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H Motto:

The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better”, is intended to inspire young people to continue to learn and grow, to make their best efforts better through participating in educational experiences.

 

4-H Colors:

The 4-H colors are green and white. Green, nature’s most prominent color, symbolizes growth. The white symbolizes purity and high ideals.

 

4-H Eligibility:

Purdue Extension is part of the College of Agriculture at Purdue University, cooperating with Indiana’s 92 Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter the third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Individuals may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years.

Exceptions:

  • Youth who enroll in grade three and are advanced academically (thus graduating early) may continue for a total of 10 years ONLY if the enrollment occurs in consecutive years.
  • Those youth who are academically advanced and “skip” 3rd grade, may begin the program as a 4th grader and may continue for a total of 10 years ONLY if the enrollment occurs in consecutive years.
  • Those youth who enroll in grade three and are retained a grade in school may continue to progress through the 4-H Program by adding subsequent years of participation, but MAY NOT exceed 10 years of participation. For example, if a member is retained one year in school (public, private, or home), their final year of 4-H membership would conclude the summer following their junior year of high school.
  • Those youth who entered the program in 3rd grade and for one reason or another leave formal education prior to the completion of 12th grade may continue for a total of 10 years ONLY if the enrollment occurs in consecutive years.
  • Limited 4-H scholarships and awards may have specific qualifications extended beyond the typical grade listed for 4-H eligibility.
  • Additional exceptions may be requested to the State 4-H Leader or his/her designee.

NOTE: 10 years of membership in the 4-H Youth Development Program is an opportunity --- not an entitlement. Those youth who do not enroll as 3rd grade students or meet the exceptions above, conclude their involvement with the program during the summer immediately following the completion of their senior year in high school.

An individual’s 4-H grade is determined by the school grade in which he or she is classified at the time of year he or she enrolls in 4-H. A member does not advance in 4-H grade until he or she enrolls in 4-H for the subsequent year. Each member should enroll in the division of a project/subject that would best suit his/her interest and potential for personal growth and would enhance their family involvement.

Opportunities in the 4-H program are available to all Indiana youth as defined regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or disability. The Indiana 4-H Youth Development program year is October 1 to September 30 annually. Individual 4-H enrollment is an annual process attained by completing individual 4-H enrollment via the 4-H Online enrollment process. Statewide 4-H Online enrollment occurs annually October 1.

 

Mini 4-H Non-Competitive Policy:

Mini 4-H is a program designed to encourage positive development of children, Kindergarten through second grade. Mini 4-H is not a requirement yet is available in the majority of counties in Indiana. The goal of Mini 4-H is to help young children explore friendships outside the family; explore the way in which things work; practice both small and large muscle control; and think about the ways people work together on projects.

 

The NON-COMPETITIVE learning environment for Mini 4-H includes:

  1. Planned learning activities in which children are invited to be active and explore materials and ideas without the pressure of completing a specific product or exhibit.
  2. Low adult/leader to child ratio that allows time for adults/leaders to provide individual, positive encouragement and assistance.
  3. Simple, interesting activities that are fun.
  4. Encouragement of children to participate in a group activity by sharing and or displaying their activity projects.
  5. Rewards that are identical and/or ribbons of the same color for everyone.

DO NOT JUDGE projects, but instead discuss them with the child. If counties have Mini 4-H animal exhibitions, additional requirements may apply for the safety of participants.

NOTE: Purdue University and the Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program do not support, endorse, or encourage 4-H programming for children prior to Kindergarten. 4-H Youth Development Extension staff members and 4-H Volunteers may not offer, or encourage others to offer, programming for children prior to Kindergarten.

 

Youth Needing Special Accommodations and Opportunities:

4-H programs should be designed to consider the needs of participants to create a sense of belonging and feeling of inclusion among all youth. Accommodations may be requested for youth who need them.  For accommodations, please contact the Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Educator.  Purdue Extension meets all reasonable and timely accommodation requests. A series of Inclusive 4-H resources are available on the Indiana 4-H Website to help staff, volunteers, and families provide the best opportunities possible for all youth regardless of their level of abilities.

Programming should always strive for youth to develop a sense of belonging. Youth today are more modest and may require more privacy and communications than previous generations. This can create practical challenges for certain 4-H events. For example, overnight events may require shared lodging in Purdue University residence halls or camping facilities assigning two or more people per space according to their sex when completing their 4-H Online profile.  Another example is recognizing that youth may have medical or cultural dietary restrictions. Accommodations may be requested for youth who require special meal arrangements due to allergies, intolerances, medical conditions (such as diabetes or celiac disease), or religious practices. Purdue Extension staff members should work with parents and youth if alternative arrangements are required or requested. State 4-H Staff members should be consulted.

 

Enrollment:

Enrollment must be reinstated annually by completing a Newton County 4-H Enrollment form or by enrolling online at http://v2.4honline.com. Enrollment and program fee must be on file at the Extension Office. Once enrolled, 4-H members may add, drop, or change projects through May 15. In addition, those enrolling in Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goat, Dairy, Rabbit, Poultry, and Horse and Pony MUST complete the county 4-H enrollment process online. Animals must be enrolled by May 15 and properly identified. No exceptions.

 

Residence:

Indiana youth typically enroll in 4-H Youth Development programs in the county or state in which they reside. However, individuals living in one county may join 4-H in another county. There must be educational or social reasons for an individual joining 4-H in a different county than that of their primary residence. During a single program year, a 4-H member enrolled in a given project may enroll and exhibit that project only in one county or state of enrollment.

In the event that a project is not offered in the county of primary 4-H enrollment, a 4-H member may enroll in that specific project in a different county. Approval of this special exception rests with the 4-H Extension Educator in consultation with the State 4-H Office. Participation in 4-H related activities and events (i.e., judging, performing arts, auction) must be in the county of primary 4-H enrollment.

The above policy is not intended to provide an escape mechanism for 4-H members and families who are unwilling to follow the terms and/or conditions in their current county of 4-H membership. Decisions regarding 4-H membership in a non-resident county (a county you do not live in), rest with the 4-H Extension Educator in the receiving county in consultation with the State 4-H Office.

Behavioral Criteria for 4-H Events and Activities:

To 4-H members, volunteers, parents and the public: when attending, participating or acting on behalf of the 4-H program, all persons are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of social behavior, to respect rights of others, and to refrain from any conduct which may be injurious to the 4-H program. The following actions constitute misconduct for which persons may be subject to disciplinary consequences and/or dismissal from the program:

  1. Dishonesty in connection with any 4-H activity by cheating or knowingly furnishing false information;
  2. Alteration or unauthorized use of 4-H records;
  3. Obstruction or disruption of any 4-H activity or aiding and encouraging other persons to engage in such conduct;
  4. Failure to comply or aiding or encouraging other persons not to comply with specific terms and conditions of a given project, contest, or activity;
  5. Failure to comply with directions of 4-H officials acting in the proper performance of their duties; and
  6. Inhumane treatment of 4-H animal projects.

 

There are many opportunities for 4-H members, volunteers, parents and the public to participate in 4-H events and activities. When involved in such experiences, members, volunteers, parents and the public are expected to follow all rules and regulations as outlined by those responsible for the specific program or activity. In all such 4-H activities, the following constitute a violation of behavioral expectations:

 

  1. Possession or use of fire crackers, gun powder, firearms, chemicals or other materials that can be used to create an explosive mixture;
  2. Misuse of fire equipment or sounding a false fire alarm;
  3. Having a guest of a different gender in your sleeping quarters or inappropriate sexual behavior;
  4. Physical or verbal abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;
  5. Theft of or malicious damage to property;
  6. Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco and tobacco-like products, electronic smoking devices (including, but not limited to, e-cigs, vapes, juuls), or other dangerous substances;
  7. Inappropriate displays of affection towards another person(s);
  8. Distribution, misuse, or abuse of over-the-counter, homeopathic (including supplements and vitamins), or prescription medications;
  9. Inappropriate clothing or lack of clothing during the event or activity;
  10. Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or language;
  11. Unauthorized entry, use or occupancy of any facility;
  12. Any conduct which threatens or interferes with maintenance of appropriate order and discipline or invades the rights of others;
  13. Unwillingness to follow appropriate health and safety procedures; and
  14. Reckless or inappropriate behavior.

 

When violations occur at out-of-county, district, area, and/or state and/or national 4-H events, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. The parents/guardians may be contacted to arrange transportation home for the violator(s); and
  2. The local Extension Educator may be notified.

 

Project Exhibition:

Exhibition of 4-H projects/subjects in local, county, or state exhibits/fairs, in person or virtually, is voluntary on the part of the exhibitor. The exhibition of 4-H projects/subjects provides 4-H members an opportunity to display their 4-H projects/subjects, enter competition, and participate in an educational/social environment with peers. With exhibition also comes the responsibility for abiding by all the terms and conditions pertaining to the respective 4-H project.

 

Exhibition Deadlines:

4-H project exhibitions occur through a variety of methods: county fairs, career development events, and other statewide competitive events. The following statewide deadlines will be followed by all county programs annually:

  • May 15 – All animals requiring 4-H Animal Identification (in accordance with Board of Animal Health regulations) must be identified in 4-H Online to meet Indiana State Fair exhibition eligibility
  • The items below must be completed by Friday, July 3rd:
    • 4-H'ers exhibiting beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry and rabbits must complete Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care or Youth for the Quality Care for Animals (YQCA). Purdue Extension educators provide multiple opportunities for youth in their county to complete the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care in-person program but will not offer it close to the county fair. 4-H exhibitors may complete online YQCA up to project check in for their livestock projects. Any 4-H exhibitor failing to complete I4-HQLC or YQCA before arriving at the fair to check-in their animal(s) will not be permitted to advance through the fair’s check-in process until YQCA has been completed online.
    • All exhibits must be entered into FairEntry for the county of exhibition. 
      • Any 4-H exhibitor arriving at the fair to check-in an animal or non-animal exhibit and has not completed the FairEntry process will not be permitted to advance through the fair’s check-in process until entry has been completed in FairEntry.
      • 4-H Educators have the discretion to change or update (not add) fair entries at the request of the 4-H'ers family up to check-in.
    • A 4-H member may add or drop a project(s) adjusting their 4-H Online enrollment until that project’s scheduled fair check-in closes. Animals requiring a May 15 identification cannot be added to 4-H Online after this May 15 deadline.
  • Note: the May 15 deadline referenced above will be extended to the following business day in a year when May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday.

 

Exhibition Requirements:

4-H project exhibitions occur through a variety of methods.  Some examples include county fairs, career development events, and other statewide competitive events. Some competitive events have specific requirements (e.g. state robotics, career development events, performing arts, tractor operator skills, etc). Guidelines for these specific competitive events can be found on the Indiana 4-H website. 

A county may not disqualify a youth from exhibition based on additional requirements added at the local/county level (e.g. green folders, record of achievements, record sheets, missed deadlines, incorrect classes, and/or missing or incorrect paperwork) for state 4-H projects which earn promotion to the Indiana State Fair. The county 4-H educator has discretion over all exhibition eligibility requirements and decisions.

 

Completion:

A 4-H experience may include a variety of options and must not be misinterpreted solely as exhibition of a project at

a local, county, or state fair. There are a number of ways that a young person may participate in the 4-H Youth

Development Program in addition to the club-based option. Participating in these 4-H opportunities enables the

youth to build skills that will serve them well throughout their adult lives.

 

Some of these participation options do not include the preparation of a specific exhibit by an individual that would

be on display at a fair or similar event. In some cases, the youths’ actual participation may be the final product that

results in their completion of a year of 4-H. Some examples of this participation include working as a team to

develop a robot for a workshop or challenge; participating in a SPARK Club experience; participating in State 4-H

Band or Chorus; taking part in a science training or experiment; participating in an after school 4-H experience; etc.

 

Language of “completing” a 4-H experience should be avoided or requiring a specific output. Every 4-H'er’s

experience may be different. 4-H members are considered complete in their 4-H educational experience for the

year when they have (1) completed the 4-H member enrollment process prior to the established and published date

for enrolling; and (2) had an officially recognized 4-H volunteer/Extension Educator verify the existence of the

completed project/subject or the member’s participation in a 4-H educational experience – this could be in the form

of an exhibit, poster, report, presentation, etc. Or, a member may choose to submit a completed record sheet in lieu

of an exhibit to complete the club- or fair-based 4-H project/subject. The 4-H record sheet will be based on printed

or web-based educational materials (used by Indiana 4-H Youth Development) and submitted prior to the

established and published date.

 

Though exhibiting in local, county, and state exhibits/fairs is not required for project completion, as it does not

necessarily relate directly to content and skills learned in the development of the 4-H project, project exhibition is

encouraged as a continuation of the educational experience.

 

Per state and federal guidelines, volunteers and Extension Educators may not require youth to attend 4-H club

meetings in order to complete 4-H or exhibit their work, unless required by the state 4-H office for safety.

 

Competitive Event:

A 4-H competitive event is one in which 4-H members compete individually or as teams for special recognition. The term “event” is used for 4-H divisions/classes and activities that are part of a larger program, which includes non-4-H competitive events, as well as those events exclusively 4-H. 4-H competitive events include judging contests, presentations, project exhibits and other performance events open to 4-H members. When competition is a major part of an event, it must be understood that competition is secondary to the education and development of youth.

Criteria for competitive events in 4-H include:

  • Sponsored/co-sponsored and/or conducted by Purdue University Extension Professionals and/or approved 4-H Volunteers (adult and youth volunteers).
  • Approved by and/or conducted by Extension staff responsible for the event.
  • Rules and regulations established by or approved by Extension staff responsible for the event.
  • Open to participation by 4-H members from county, group of counties, district, state, region, or nation.
  • Participants must be enrolled in 4-H during the current 4-H year.
  • Approval has been obtained to use the 4-H name and emblem.
  • Utilize the 4-H name and emblem in promotion and recruitment.
  • Provide a safe and healthy environment with a positive educational experience for youth.

 

Liability Release Policy:

It is required by Risk Management at Purdue University that a signed 4-H Youth Development Liability Release Statement shall be obtained annually from each and every 4-H participant in the 4-H Youth Development Program on the 4-H member’s enrollment form. 4-H members who do not have on file with the County Extension Office a liability release statement that has been signed by at least one parent or legal guardian will not be allowed to participate in 4-H projects, events, or activities. This form must be signed and obtained from participants annually.  Those 4-H members who have reached age 18 (or older) by the time the forms are distributed are not exempt from having a signed release form on file.  However, these individuals are not required to have a parent or guardian signature. The 4-H Youth Development Liability Release Statement provided by Purdue University 4-H Youth Development and Risk Management shall be used as provided.  The language in the form shall not be altered in any way.  Release forms shall be maintained for a period of 7 years.